Police investigate disturbances at North Avenue Beach

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police were called to the area surrounding the North Avenue Beach again Saturday for a series of fights.

There was a heavy police presence at the beach Saturday night. People leaving the beach described a chaotic evening characterized by fights breaking out and people having their cell phones and other belongings stolen.

"Although the police were there it's still a very tense atmosphere that's going on right now," said beachgoer Shelton Banks. "Kids were stealing cell phones so if you left your bag up there they would run, take your cell phone then run."

"There were about two fights that broke out," said beachgoer Jillian Thomas. "One fight broke out in front of the food court, another altercation started inside the food court. The police were on the job today and they did exactly what they needed to do."

The problems seem to have started after 7 p.m. Beachgoers described a large group of teens working in tandem.

The group eventually made it off the beach and onto North Avenue. They then stopped at a Shell Gas Station. The attendant there said about 15 boys and girls went into the store, and shoplifted several items before leaving.

The group was finally broken up at North Avenue and Halsted.

The disturbances comes days after Chicago police announced the creation of a new mobile unit targeting safety at beaches and parks.